Islamabad, December 20, 2024: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sought detailed reports on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s foreign visits, particularly those related to efforts for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui from the United States.
Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq presided over a hearing on the plea filed by Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, sister of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, seeking her release from U.S. custody. Dr. Fowzia, along with her legal counsel Imran Shafiq, former senator Mushtaq Ahmed, and other representatives, appeared via video link.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Additional Attorney General also attended the hearing, while Dr. Aafia’s U.S.-based lawyer, Mr. Clive Smith, submitted a declaration to the court. The court commended Mr. Smith’s efforts and directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to escalate the matter through diplomatic channels.
Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq Khan questioned why Pakistan’s ambassador to the U.S. had not been actively engaged in resolving Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the court that no response had been received from U.S. President Joe Biden to a letter written by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the matter.
Expressing concern over the lack of progress, the court emphasized that the Pakistani ambassador should have facilitated a meeting with the Biden administration to address the issue.
Adjourning the case to January 13, the court directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide comprehensive reports on the prime minister and foreign minister’s visits, specifically those concerning efforts for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s release.
